was in the back seat of a ...whoops, wrong forum.
I did get to the range yesterday for the "first time" with my R9S. It was also the first time that I shot 2 other handguns that I had purchased: A Seecamp LWS32 ( that I have had for several years) and a S&W Model 65 with 3" barrel that I purchased a few months ago. I also brought a S&W Model 10 to compare to the Model 65.
I was very surprised at how easy it was to shoot the R9S and how relatively easy it was to shoot accurately at about 10-15 yards. After reading posts here for the past 6 months or so, I thought it was going to be a recoil dragon. Not so. I did have reddening and some swelling in the web of my grip hand after 20 or so rounds. I stopped shooting after 55 rounds. I did not shoot all 55 rounds consecutively. I'd shoot 12-14 and then switch to another gun-usually the Seecamp, which has zero recoil to it.
I shot Speer Gold Dots in 115 and 124 weights and PMC range ammo. I had NO failures of any description. I did not shoot it one-handed, which I will do the next time.
The sights added immeasurably to my ability to hit accurately. I was able to keep 6 rounds in the black of a 50' rapid fire target at the 10-15 yard distance. In contrast, I wasn't able to do so with the Seecamp. The absence of sights made it difficult for me to create a small group. Again, it was my first time with this pistol, which I am really impressed with, by the way. Criticising a Seecamp for difficulty grouping accurately at 15 yards is a lot like criticising a Ferrari for heavy steering while parallel parking-that's not what you buy it for.
So, I am REALLY impressed with the R9S. I will say that since I am spatially challenged, that the disassembly and reassembly of this gun is not something I am looking forward to.
I was really impressed with the Seecamp. As a small guy (5'8", 165 lbs.) with small hands (small glove size) I really like it's size. I can carry it all day and never know it's there. I may seriously consider a Seecamp .380 now, although I don't know how bad it's bite is. I will sell the LWS 32 if I get the 380.
I also really liked shooting the Model 65. I will now sell the Model 10. I shot the 65 more accurately-probably because the red insert in the front ramp sight really helped these old eyes in the poorly lit range.
It's really nice to finally know what you guys have known for some time. The R9 is a really unique and very high quality handgun!
